Friday 28 March 2014

28th March 1814: Leciestershire Framework-knitters hold meeting demanding action on wages

At a General Meeting of the Framework-Knitters of the Town and County of Leicester, held at the [Old] King’s Arms, Sanvy Gate―The following Resolutions were proposed and unanimously agreed to:―

JAMES DIGBY, in the Chair.

Resolved,

That under the present existing circumstances, it is a moral impossibility for the industrious framework-knitter to maintain his family.

Resolved,

That the present prices allowed for labour in the art of framework-knitting is most distressing to the profession, and that we should consider it an act of the greatest neglect to our families, was we to remain silent on this important occasion.

Resolved,

That when we see our brother mechanics which are dependent on the art of framework-knitters advancing the price of their labour, to meet the exigency of the times, we cannot but consider ourselves in the most degraded situation of society.

Resolved,

That the Hosiers be earnestly entreated to attend a Meeting, to be held at the Exchange, on Thursday the 7th day of April, at three o’clock in the afternoon, to take into their most serious consideration the distressed state of the trade.

Resolved,

That these Resolutions be printed in the Leicester papers.

Resolved,

That the thanks of this Meeting be given to Mr. Digby, for the able manner in which he conducted the business in the Chair.

By order of the Committee,

JOHN BLOUNT, Secretary.

The resolutions were advertised in the Leicester Journal of 1st April 1814. The date and time (4 p.m.) of the meeting were advertised in the same publication the week before in the 25th March edition.

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